Have a Good Trip: Un voyage psychédélique

An incredibly vivid trip (pun intended) into the world of hallucinogens and the effects of psilocybin on the brain via the experiences of some of the most revered figures in the entertainment industry such as Carrie Fisher, Sting, A$AP Rocky, Anthony Bourdain and many more.

Both entertaining and insightful as the creators have incorporated in their thorough investigations of psychedelics a wholesome air of comedy, which makes this a must see for absolutely all of you.

I do wish that they left Deepak Chopra and his pseudo nonsense out of it though, I'll just never get that dude.

A parade of Hollywood A and B listers recounting their good and bad trips can be self-indulgent. This documentary saves itself with humor and accurate narrative. It strays too much into glorification though.

A warning must be posted- much of the true dangers are ignored in this doc. It is not all about joyfully exploring warped and interconnected realities. Side effects include painfully coming down, psychosis for some, and criminal behavior.

Not a single burn-out was interviewed. For every Sting, there are ten times as many homeless, dead, or institutionalized users who couldn't handle it. RIP, Anthony B.

If you have any suspicion that you have psychological conditions like depression, tend to get addicted to things like video games or crack, or are around people who are not close friends and family, don't do it!

Many veterans would also wholeheartedly disagree that a synthesized chemical like LSD is anywhere as safe or helpful as naturally occurring plant based hallucinogens.

The positives of psychedelics for therapeutics and education is well documented and it is high time science fully explored it. Just be fully aware of ALL pros and cons before you decide on your own journey.

I have studied halluciogens - mainly pshycedelics - about 17 years. I have read the relevant forums, manuals, guides viewed documents. I have deliberately taken more or less for 30 trips, grown mushrooms, guided people. Against this background, this documentary is truthful, instructive, and well executed. This can be recommended for people who still believe in the demonization of these substances, as well as for those who are more experienced. This was an interesting experience.

Fun, entertaining and mostly humorous, but no new information is presented here. The information also presented is limited and non descriptive. It's mostly a collection of fun acid stories from celebrities. I enjoyed the documentary Neurons to Nirvana much more.

While this doc isn't a sober and scientific look at psychedelics, it fulfills some of that in a good way. It uses comedy and satire to make its points. If you are looking for serious information about them, then look elsewhere. While there are some facts here, this doc uses mostly tripping anecdotes from famous people, but also includes a psychotherapist and Deepak Chopra (not an expert on anything, IMO, and the one low point of this doc). It satirizes ridiculous 60s & 70s anti-drug movies and propaganda by winding an LSD After School Special throughout the film, which is as original as these things can be, and very humorous.

The filmmakers are careful not to proselytize psychedelics, although they come close, but the "it's not for everyone" warnings are here, as well as the usual "set and setting" importance. There is emphasis on psychedelics not being the "usual" drug you use to escape, but an internal "trip" in every sense of the word, with planning and intent necessary.

Even though the release date of this is shown as 2020 and "new" by Netflix, Carrie Fisher and Anthony Bourdain are both in it. She died in 2016 and Bourdain in 2018. Fisher is really funny, as always, and one of the high points of the interviews. Bourdain just looks depressed, which begs the question of why he was left in this doc. Kind of bad taste, due to the manner of his passing, and affected my rating a little.

I think the audience for this is probably people who have experience with psychedelics. Otherwise it will have little meaning. I've had most of the experiences chronicled here, including the cliche "McDonald's trip" (I didn't know it was a 'thing'!). Odd to see Sting in a somewhat reflective, very personal state, although psychedelics no doubt have a huge job making a dent in *his* ego. So kind of ironic interviewing him for this doc. The other people are entertaining and usually funny.

The animation is very well done and the pacing very good. I have done a lot of psychedelics and was mostly a "seeker" with the intent to learn from psychedelics, as are most of the people in this doc. If you are so serious as to be offended by a comedic look at psychedelics...yeow. You have GOT to have a sense of humor while tripping!